The Red Mansion in its bustling glory

Seeing the two men, one carrying a sword and the other a book, in such a state, Jia Jue had no choice but to explain the whole story to Liu Xianglian: "These two men were once servants, but have now been freed from their lowly status. They are both talented individuals, and I regard them as brothers. I teach them poetry and books, and guide them in understanding principles of life, waiting for them to realize their ambitions and become pillars of the nation."

Upon hearing this, Liu Xianglian sighed, "Brother Jia is kind and benevolent, treats people with sincerity, does not rely on his power, and does not bully those below him. Such a magnanimous character is rare in this world. Observing these two men, they are brave, polite, and composed; they will surely become your helpers in the future!"

Jia Jue said, "In this life, the most valuable thing is mutual understanding, regardless of social status. Those with talent should be given full play to their abilities. I am merely going with the flow and helping them to succeed. On the journey of life, one tree cannot support one's own path. Only with one or two close friends by one's side can one travel together towards the future."

Liu Xianglian clapped his hands in approval, saying, "Brother Jia's words reveal the truth of the world. Whether in the martial world or in officialdom, one cannot go far alone; only those of one mind can go far. I, Xianglian, have wandered for many years and have seen the fickleness of human nature. There are many who flatter and fawn, and few who treat others with sincerity. Today, after talking with Brother Jia, I feel as if we have known each other for a long time!"

The rain gradually subsided, the mist began to clear, and the lake was shrouded in a hazy mist. Occasionally, a few water birds would fly low over the water, creating ripples.

The boat swayed gently, the aroma of tea wafted through the air, and the two men discussed the world. When they spoke of mountains and rivers, they marveled at the wonders of nature; when they spoke of the martial world, they admired the chivalrous spirit of its heroes; when they spoke of officialdom, they discussed the essentials of being an official. Jia Jue was erudite and insightful; Liu Xianglian was experienced and upright, and his words resonated with them without any barriers.

Jia Jue said, "In officialdom, there are many scheming and unscrupulous people who pursue fame and fortune while disregarding the people's livelihood. Although I wish to enter officialdom, I only wish to uphold my original aspirations, do practical things, and live up to the expectations of both the emperor and the people. However, the road ahead is long, and I fear I cannot stand alone. Brother Liu, do you not wish to enter officialdom?"

Liu Xianglian said, "I am used to being free and unrestrained, so it would be difficult for me to enter officialdom. Brother Jia, you have a righteous heart, and Heaven will help you. Those who govern must have a righteous heart to act righteously. Even if the road ahead is bumpy, they can still hold fast to their principles. Although I am not in officialdom, I know that justice resides in the hearts of the people. Brother Jia, with this ambition, you will surely achieve something."

The two then chatted about interesting tales of the martial world, with Liu Xianglian recounting them in detail—her chivalrous deeds, helping the needy and needy, indifferent to fame and fortune, coming and going as he pleased. Jia Jue, listening, felt a surge of longing and couldn't help but say, "Brother Liu is so free and unrestrained, wandering the world with his sword, seeking revenge with gusto. Such a life is truly enviable!"

Liu Xianglian laughed and said, "The martial world has its own dangers, but if one has no worries, one has nothing to fear. Brother Jia has the world in his heart and cares about the common people. Compared to my sentimental feelings about the martial world, you are far superior."

Holding a sword and carrying a book, he listened quietly to the two's conversation. A gentle breeze and bright moon stood by, lightly brewing fragrant tea, waiting patiently. Outside the boat, raindrops drifted; inside, laughter filled the air. For a moment, in this world of martial arts, only the joy of meeting kindred spirits existed, free from any worldly disturbances.

As noon approached, the wind and rain gradually subsided, and the clouds and mist dispersed. On West Lake, the sunlight shone through, the water glittered, and the mountains were shrouded in mist, creating a unique and beautiful scene.

Liu Xianglian wanted to invite Jia Jue to drink together to enjoy the rest of their time, and Jia Jue did not refuse.

Xianglian then crossed over to his own boat and brought two jars of fine wine.

Liu Xianglian returned and said, "Xianglian has been wandering the world alone for a long time, longing for a confidant. Brother Jia is a kind and benevolent gentleman, and Xianglian wishes to become sworn brothers with you, promising to never betray you in this life. I wonder what Brother Jia thinks?"

Jia Jue said, "Hearing your words is better than reading books for ten years. It's truly fate that we've met so unexpectedly and hit it off so well. I've rarely found a true friend in my life, so meeting Brother Liu is certainly a blessing."

Xianglian was overjoyed upon hearing this. The two then set up a simple altar in the boat, bowed to the sky, and, holding wine, said:

"Now, Jia Jue and Liu Xianglian, on the rainy shore of West Lake, have sworn brotherhood, as close as brothers, of one heart and one mind, supporting each other through thick and thin. If we break this oath, may Heaven and Man forsake us!"

After the ceremony, the two exchanged a smile. The sword-wielding figure, the book-carrying figure, the gentle breeze, and the bright moon all came to offer their congratulations.

If we calculate their ages, Liu Xianglian is the elder brother and Jia Jue is the younger brother.

Jia Jue said, "Brother, I deeply admire your chivalrous spirit. Now that we are brothers, we should not distinguish between each other and should visit each other often in the future."

Liu Xianglian also said, "If you ever need my help in the future, my dear brother, I will go through fire and water for you! If you are of any use in the martial world, I will do my utmost to assist you!"

Just then, the rain stopped, a gentle breeze caressed our faces, and the lake and mountains remained unchanged.

Meeting a kindred spirit, Liu Xianglian, who had once wandered alone, was now accompanied by a close friend. He was naturally overjoyed, and from then on, he had someone to rely on. He had no regrets in this life!

He said, "Brother Jue, although I have no particular talent, I do possess some swordsmanship skills. Perhaps you could give me a demonstration? Today, I will perform a sword dance to add to the festivities!"

Having said that, he reached down to his waist with his right hand, and a flash of silver light appeared as his longsword was drawn.

He turned lightly, his steps light as if on flowing water, his sword moving with him, his movements as swift as flowing clouds.

At first, it was gentle, like willows swaying and flowers parting; then suddenly it turned swiftly, like a startled swan skimming the water. The sword flashed, reflecting on the ripples of the lake, its cold gleam radiating outwards, slicing through the wind with a sharp sound. Every move was not about brute force, but rather about elegance and grace, its every movement exuding the spirit of chivalry and adventure.

He was a martial arts practitioner and considered himself to be quite skilled with his sword, but after seeing Liu Xianglian, he was filled with admiration.

To be able to dance so smoothly in such a confined space is truly the mark of a master!

After Liu Xianglian finished his sword dance, he sheathed his sword and stood as steady as a rock.

A quick glance revealed that Jia Jue had somehow acquired a silver longsword.

Liu Xianglian exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Jue also knows swordsmanship?"

Jia Jue laughed and said, "I wouldn't call myself an expert, but since you've performed the dance, I can't help but feel the urge to try it myself."

Those standing nearby, including the one with the sword and the one carrying the book, were also surprised.

Liu Xianglian smiled and said, "Then please, my worthy brother, perform a dance."

Jia Jue laughed and said, "Then I'll make a fool of myself."

He rose from his seat, the blade reflecting the light, yet it was utterly cold and clear, like a silver moon.

He stood slowly at the bow of the boat, and a light rain began to fall again. The raindrops slanted and weaved, wetting his clothes but not staining them.

With a flick of his wrist, the sword sliced ​​through the air. At first, it flowed like a gentle stream over rocks, soothing and leisurely; then, his figure turned gracefully, and the sword's momentum changed abruptly, like a crane dancing in the clear sky, or like clouds swirling in the void.

The sword flashes reflected the misty rain on the lake, the silver light swirling, seemingly there yet not there, showing no fierceness, only elegance.

Jia Jue lightly touched the boat with his toes, his body swaying with the waves, yet remaining as steady as a mountain. His sword moved with him, his steps treading through the air, like "a place where the clouds are deep and the earth is unknown," mysterious and ethereal; or like "the moon moving and the flower shadows swaying," beautiful and clear. Sometimes his sword pointed to the heavens, as if inviting immortals to dance; sometimes it swept across the calm lake, as if breaking through the mist and parting the smoke. His robes fluttered, like a banished immortal descending to earth, and the wind from his sword seemed to carry a hint of lotus fragrance.

At the height of his dance, he let out a clear whistle, and his swordplay suddenly ceased, like all rivers flowing into the sea, returning to tranquility.

Liu Xianglian murmured to himself, "This is no ordinary sword, but a sword of immortals!"

The others on the ship were also full of praise.

I especially admire the swordsman.